Fresh attacks on places of worship in K'taka, tension prevails

Bangalore, Sep 21 (UNI) Tension prevailed in parts of the city following fresh attacks on places of worship by miscreants in the wee hours of today.

Following attacks on places of worship at Mariyapana Palya, Raja Rajeshwari Nagar and Hebbal, devotees who had come for Sunday prayer became agitated and shouted slogans. They also burnt tyres on the road to show their anger.

At a place of worship, the agitators sought a ban on Bajrang Dal and shouted slogans against the BJP-led Government in the State.

The culprits, who entered the place of worship in Raja Rajeshwari Nagar by breaking open back door, ransacked the furniture after breaking open the collection boxes by using iron rod.

They also threw stones damaging the glass covers of religious statues in Mariyappana Palya and Hebbal.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who held a high-level meeting with Home Minister, DG and IGP, told newspersons that action would be taken against these miscreants.

''It is a total failure of police. I have instructed top police officials and Home Minister to take steps to book the culprits behind the attack by evening,'' he added.

Mr Yeddyurappa alleged the ''the fresh incidents clearly showed it was pre-planned and anti-social elements had disturbed the peace and brought bad name to the BJP-led Government. But the miscreants would be dealt with a iron hand.'' City Commissioner of Police Shankar Bidri, talking to newspersons after visiting the places of worship, said it was an act by miscreants to create enmity between religions.

They could have been a robbery attempt also as the culprits entered the places of worship by opening the backdoor using iron rod and opened the collection boxes.

To mislead, they pelted stones and ransacked the furniture, he said.

Opposition Leader in the Legislative Assembly Mallikarjun Kharge said the Home Minister should tender his resignation immediately owning moral responsibility for the incidents which were continuing in the State.

''If we raise the issue, the ruling party states that we are politicising (the issue). We don't want to politicise. But the government should take all necessary steps to bring peace,'' he added.